Erbert & Gerbert’s names Mark Kocer CEO
The industry veteran joins the 60-unit regional chain as it ratchets up expansion. Former CEO and owner Eric Wolfe moves to a chief development officer role.
June 1, 2026
Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop has a new CEO.
Restaurant industry veteran Mark Kocer was named CEO of the Eau Claire, Wisconsin-based chain, effective June 1. Kocer steps in as former CEO Eric Wolfe moves into a chief development officer role to focus entirely on brand growth, new revenue opportunities and franchise expansion, the company said.
Kocer was most recently chief operating officer of Taco John’s International. He also spent years with Arby’s Restaurant Group and Inspire Brands, where he rose to division vice president. Before that, he climbed the ranks at KFC and Yum Brands, and he is a former staff sergeant with the U.S. Army.
Wolfe and partners acquired Erbert & Gerbert in 2004 and has grown the brand into a regional chain with about 60 locations in nine states, both traditional and non-traditional in universities in hospitals.
Wolfe believed it was the right time to bring in a seasoned industry veteran to run day-to-day operations while he focused on franchise sales and new development across multiple channels.
“Mark is the right person to take the company to the next level,” said Wolfe in a statement.
UPDATE: This article was updated to correct the spelling of Kocer's name.
About the Author
Lisa Jennings
Executive Editor, Restaurant Business
Lisa Jennings is a veteran restaurant industry reporter and editor who covers the fast-casual sector, independent restaurants and emerging chain concepts. Her experience includes other industry publications as well as the daily newspaper The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn., where she was Food Editor. Her work has been cited in the Los Angeles Times, Business Insider, FoodBeast, The Huffington Post, Time.com and more.
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